Fourteen drama students from Pioneer Valley High School (PVHS) recently spent several days in New York City, attending three Broadway shows including School of Rock, a production the school plans to put on next year. The students also got to meet Tony-nominated actor Alex Brightman, who plays Dewey, and learned the choreography for the show during a workshop, according to a release from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District.
“Going to New York City was truly the greatest experience of my life,” said PVHS Senior Joseph Madrigal in a press release. “As an aspiring actor, getting to see three incredible Broadway shows was a dream come true. I am so thankful to be given the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The students were accompanied by drama teacher Shawnah Van Gronigen and five adult chaperones. Along with School of Rock, the students also saw Sunset Boulevard and the new show Groundhog Day.
“Being able to go to New York was such a life-changing experience for me,” said Sophomore Ivy Hatter in the release. “I had never been able to travel outside of the state, and this trip gave me that and more. It helped me learn about the career I want to pursue.”
“As an aspiring actor, this was truly a magical and unforgettable experience,” said Junior Alina Davila in the release. “To see professional theater was valuable to me because it prepares me for what I might go through.”
PVHS plans to put on its own production of School of Rock when the school’s new Performing Arts Center opens next year. For more info on the PVHS Drama Department, visit pvhspanthers.org.
This article appears in May 18-25, 2017.